Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is on the verge of unveiling a potentially contentious report that may establish a link between using Tylenol during pregnancy and autism in children, as the New York Post reports.

The report, fueled by a review of existing literature, has already caused stock fluctuations and sparked intense debate over its validity and implications.

HHS is set to release the report this month, focusing on two potential contributors to autism: low folate levels and acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy. Kennedy aims to recommend folinic acid, also called leucovorin, as a potential therapy to alleviate autism symptoms.

Potential links between Tylenol, autism

In the United States, approximately one in 31 eight-year-olds was diagnosed with autism in 2022. The widespread use of Tylenol, particularly among pregnant women, has prompted questions about its safety.

Although existing research on acetaminophen's impact on fetal development remains inconclusive, Kennedy’s report raises pressing questions about its role in autism.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that Tylenol is safe for pregnant women when used with medical guidance. Despite this, the conversation surrounding the safety of Tylenol is likely to intensify as Kennedy's report brings the issue into the spotlight.

Kennedy's initiative, which relies on analyzing existing studies rather than presenting new research, has generated skepticism. Many critics question Kennedy's previous assertion that the causes of the autism epidemic would be identified by September.

Financial impact, official reactions unfold

The impending report has not only fueled debate but also impacted financial markets. The stock of Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, experienced a 16% drop after the initial coverage by The Wall Street Journal, though it has since recovered slightly.

In response to the WSJ article, a Kenvue spokeswoman emphasized the company's commitment to user safety and health.

“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products,” she stated.

Meanwhile, HHS conveyed caution about premature conclusions. An HHS spokesperson underscored the preliminary nature of any claims before the report's publication, emphasizing their pursuit of robust scientific methods to understand autism rates.

Expanding the conversation surrounding autism

Kennedy's history of addressing vaccines has led some to speculate about his future announcements.

Brian Hooker, previously associated with Kennedy's nonprofit organization, suspects that the upcoming report might also touch on vaccines and their components.

Although not explicitly confirmed, this speculation is bolstered by Hooker's remarks, which suggest that the debate may extend beyond Tylenol's links to autism and include a broader discussion on vaccine safety.

In a broader scope, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is stepping into the conversation with its new autism data science initiative. Set to begin this September, this initiative plans to provide grants for further research into autism causes and treatments.

Report's finalization draws near

The planning and finalization of Kennedy's report involved prominent figures like NIH director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and Medicare chief Dr. Mehmet Oz. However, the report’s final content and release timing are still being determined.

Uncertainty lingers over the White House's role in the report’s approval process. Regardless of the political aspects, the scientific community and general public are eager to see how the findings will influence autism research and policies.

As the report gears for release, discussions and opinions about the possible link between Tylenol and autism will continue to evolve. The upcoming publication promises to reshape dialogue and actions surrounding autism and maternal health concerns.